Escape artist banner, circus--Houston, Texas

1955

Robert Frank

Associated Names
Robert Frank

Artist, American, born Switzerland, 1924 - 2019

This is a photograph of two carnival banners displayed at an event. One banner advertises an "Escape Artist" act, featuring lifelike illustrations of a performer breaking free from restraints, surrounded by images of handcuffs and chains. The other banner showcases a knife-throwing act, with imagery of a man ready to throw a knife towards a wooden target where a painted figure stands. Both banners reflect the atmosphere of 20th-century sideshow attractions. A loudspeaker is visible on the left, suggesting announcements or music. Silhouettes of people are in the foreground. The photograph is in black and white.
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Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

The artist, New York; gift to NGA, 1990.

Associated Names

Wikidata ID

Q64164140

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